Last day of School...

WOW! Another school year has gone by. I can hardly believe it. They had a wonderful year. Wonderful teachers, great school, and made some great friends.

Big 2nd grader now!

Big 4th grader now!

Big 5th grader now!

Story of a Mouse

On a Saturday night I was sweeping our entry floor when we heard a scream from Mikelle yelling there's a mouse. She said it went under the couch and I yelled at Steven to get it. Steven gave me a look of um ya ok. Well after a few minutes of thinking how this could go down we spent the next hour and a half as a family trying to capture this mouse. After turning over sections of the couch eventually trapping it under one section we blocked off one side of the couch with towels and Katon guided the mouse out the other side with a broom handle while Steven waited to catch it. Well as the insanely fast mouse ran out from under the couch Steven proceeded to scream and yell it ran over my foot meanwhile not catching it. We all then gathered around the hutch where it went next and after another failed attempt it trapped itself in our hall closet. We built a trap so that it couldn't get out and "brave" Steven slowly took everything out of the closet until the mouse had no where to go. After the capture the kids asked if we could do that again. Let's hope not.

Victory!!!

His Cuteness

This could only mean trouble!

Eating some lunch watching none other than Toy Story. This kid is obsessed with the movie Toy Story. So obsessed that anytime the tv is turned on he throws a fit if it's not Toy Story. It drives his brother and sisters nuts.

Home Teachers

We have had the most wonderful home teachers. Bro. Padea and his family had an exchange student from Mexico live with them all year to go to school here and learn English. During his stay he also learned about the gospel and was baptized. We were fortunate to have Andreas as our home teacher and loved getting to know him. He would teach us a little Spanish and was great with our kids. He has since returned to Mexico and we will surely miss him.

Kayla's Class Awards

Kayla's 1st grade class. Kayla has surprised me with how much she has learned this year. She is quite the little reader and can write so well. I am impressed with her learning abilities and how smart she is. She was always saying that her homework was to easy. Her teacher Mrs. Trout was so wonderful and focused more on the teaching part than the cutesy part which as a parent I was so grateful. Great job this year Kayla baby!

Kayla and Mrs. Trout

Kayla received the honor roll award for the best grades in her class.

Katon's Class Awards

Katon did such a great job this year academically. He grew so much and I was always impressed with his determination and hard work. He received awards for most creative thinking and writing and also for excelling in comprehension. Way to go handsome!

End of the year School Concert

The kids had a little end of the school year choir concert. I have never been so impressed with an elementary school choir teacher than Mr. Bollen. He is absolutely wonderful. Usually at elementary musical concerts you plug your ears and wonder when it is gonna be over with it. Not in this case. I have thoroughly enjoyed every concert the entire way through. And it's always a plus to watch your adorable kids sing.

Kayla stood up there with an embarrassed look but always a big smile. She remembered all the hand motions and would wave every now and then to us because Chase kept yelling Hi Kayla and waving to her.

Mikelle loves being on stage and did 2 little numbers with small groups. She always sings her heart out and just looks so pretty and grown up when she sings.

I love the fact that the music teacher Mr. Bollen gives kids the opportunity to shine by letting them sing in small groups or giving them a solo part. Mikelle was 1 out of 2 chosen to sing a solo. She sang Part of your World from the Little Mermaid. Oh my goodness did she shine. I know I am bias because she is my daughter but that girl can sing. She did an incredible job. I was the proudest mom sitting in the audience watching my little girl stand up in front of a huge auditorium and sing. The crowd cheered so loud and even gave her a standing ovation when she was done. All I wanted to do was stand up and say that's my daughter.

Katon was a stud standing up there singing. Lately this kid has been developing quite a humorous side and he had me smiling and laughing with his facial expressions and the way he did the actions up there on the stage. He did awesome and kept Chase and I very entertained.

Mothers Day...

Oh, the bliss of Mothers Day! How blessed I am to be a mom. As a teenager I remember swearing that IF I had any kids I would only have 2 at the absolute most and now here I am pregnant with my 5th. And the realization that this is most likely my last brings me to tears anytime I think about it. Kids bring heartache, frustration, anger at times, sleepless nights, demand more than you feel you can give, and make you question your abilities. But even after all that NOTHING brings you more joy, admiration, laughter, smiles, hugs and kisses, happiness, proud moments, fulfillment, sense of worth, and sense of belonging than your children. They are the bright spots on my soul and my life is worth so much more with them in it. My amazing husband and wonderful children created a beautiful day in honor of me. One of the best Mother's Day I have ever had. I LOVE being a MOM!!!